Month: March 2012

What a statement: ”The world is beautiful!” and it sure is. I’m currently in Australia on my 8th month and must say I am enjoying it grand scale. Especially one part of my stay stands out in my memory, the magic of travelling. “To Travel is to Live” so did H.C. Andersen write, and I must have to agree with him. Therefore I would like to share the best of my latest travel experience.

New Zealand, the country of magical landscapes and sheep outnumbering the Kiwis by far. I went with great friends of mine, and we did what I would like to call a jet-set tour, with speeding across both islands in just two weeks. Not the way you are recommended to experience this fairy-tale land, but for sure a good tour anyway.

Dunedin and Otago Peninsula

Dunedin Otago

Otago Peninsula is a wonderful stretch of land giving access to Albatross Point, where if you are luck you can get to see an albatross up close. However, this is not it. The winding roads taking you from Dunedin to Albatross point is a race drivers dream. Combine this with a stunning nature, and beautiful bays, and you got half a day of fun.

Milford Sound

Milford Sounds Lord of the Ring

“Like sailing in a painting.” Milford sound is one of these places that you for all the best in the world should not miss. We went kayaking and got up close to seals, waterfalls, and mystery bobbles appearing on the surface of the water. Milford sound is one of these places where you can fully allow yourself to quietly take in the breath-taking natural beauty.

Queenstown

Queenstown Bungy Jump

The adventure capital of the world, where you can bungy jump, skydive, paraglide, climb mountains or some of the other adventurous activities, for not mentioning skiing during the winter season. Queenstown got everything you desire, even a good night life, if wanted. Queenstown is not just a place for the adventurous, but surrounded by absolute stunning mountains and the impressive Lake Wakatipu.

Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier

Have you ever climbed a glacier? I have. The Fox Glacier is just a must do, and even though you wonder what is so special about walking on a massive chunk of ice, it is just such a unique experience. We spend a full day climbing the glacier and we got to experience an ice cave. I recommend everyone passing by Fox Glacier to experiences this unique piece of nature, and I must say I was impressed by professionalism of the guiding team. They did a good job.

Ferry from Picton to Wellington

Wellington Burger

What an amazing ferry ride out of Queen Charlotte Sound. The ferry ride alone is worth all the money. Extremely beautiful! Wellington might be New Zealand’s only larger city with a bit of soul. We spend a day in the city enjoying the atmosphere of a creatively designed seafront, the Museum of New Zealand: Te Papa Tongarewa, which was really nice. Wellington was also the city where I had the best Burger I have ever tasted. “Like heaven on a plate.” Did I remember the bar that served it, I would have mentioned it, but sadly I don’t.

Rotorua and Waimangu

Rotorua Volcanic

Rotorua is the place of thermal activity, where mud pools is part of the regular walk in the park. When we were there we headed out for Waimangu Volcanic Valley, which is a place of significant geothermal activity. We had a great one hour walk, and saw beautiful lakes such as Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake and Lake Rotomahana. This was my first time ever walking on a volcano and the whole experience of gasses and bobbles pumping out of the mountains were just wicked.

Auckland

Auckland New Zealand

They like to call themselves a miniature of Sydney, but sadly they are just not. Auckland is sadly a big city with a great need of a unique soul. Oh yes, there is beautiful places to go, eat and hang out. However there just isn’t anything unique where you think WOW, I am in Auckland. One of my favourite places was the harbour, especially because Auckland is a great place for sail sport.

All over I had an amazing experience in New Zealand and one lesson that I took with me and that applies to all my travels.